Language: English
Cast: Hugh Jackman (Robert Angier), Christian Bale (Alfred Borden), Michael Caine (Cutter), Scarlett Johansson (Olivia), David Bowie (Nikola Tesla)
Producers: Emma Thomas and Aaron Ryder
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writing credits: Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, based on the novel by Christopher Priest
Release Date: October 20, 2006
Production House: Touchstone Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.
Running Time: 128 minutes
Rating: PG-13

Review

“The Prestige” is a period thriller that showcases the rivalry of 19th century British magicians Alfred Borden and Robert Angier played ‘Wolverine’ Huge Jackman and ‘Batman’ Christian Bale. The two gorgeous actors put aside their superhero garb to play rival magicians in a time where mesmerism, parlor tricks and then inexplicable inventions like electricity were used by self –styled ‘wizards’ to stage mega magic shows. One is strongly reminded of Amanda Quick novels as the plot unfolds.

Adding the thrill to the parlor tricks is the murder trial which turned the friendly competitors into bitter enemies. Borden the typical showman performs with panache while Angier, who is an aristocrat dedicated to the techniques of tricks. The sexy Scarlett Johansson plays the magician’s assistant to both in turn. Jackman’s showmanship and Bale’s intensity come across strongly throughout the film, thus adding value to the somewhat overcomplicated script.

Christopher Nolan known for his expertise with the supernatural and the bizarre went slightly overboard while writing the script with his brother. The ‘Batman Begins’ director is more successful in transferring the script to the celluloid (or is it the digital medium) that he was in transforming the story into a script. The viewer tends to sometimes loose patience with all the twists and turns in the flashback within flashback plot.

Adding to the confusion and finally taking the story to its rather unexpected end is the quirky David Bowie who plays the enigmatic inventor Nikola Tesla. In an aside in an age where science was often mistaken for magic The Prestige is a wonderful fictionalization of the real rivalry that exited between Tesla and Thomas Edison.

In the film the tem Prestige refers to climactic surprise that ensures the success of a trick and throughout the film the two young magicians try to discover, highjack and if possible sabotage each other’s bag of tricks. “The Prestige” is great timepass – the actors look hot, the costumes interesting and overall negates the lack of substance. It will receive no critical acclaim but none the less it entertains. A praiseworthy effort indeed, at attempting the inexplicable sleight of hand that is a memorable film.